First phase of Gladstone Village breaks ground with affordable housing

Hundreds of new affordable homes will be available downtown thanks to a project spearheaded by Ottawa Community Housing (OCH).

The groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 24 showcased the first phase of the Gladstone Village development, a new community focusing on transit-oriented development, walkability and housing.

As of Tuesday, construction started on the 336 affordable homes, a press release from OCH reads.

Of the new homes, 56 are studio apartments, 182 are one-bedroom, 57 are two-bedroom, 35 are three to four-bedroom.

It will host 2,000 square feet of commercial space.

The project is eight acres and bordered by Somerset Street to the north, east of the O-Train Trillium Line, west of Preston Street and south of the Oak Street extension.

The large development is set to build up to 1,100 new homes within the next five years, as funding allows, OCH said.

“This development showcases our dedication to addressing Ottawa’s affordable housing needs by creating vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities while also strategically planning for future growth,” Stéphane Giguère, CEO of OHC, said in a press release.

The first phase was designed by Diamond Schmitt and KWC Architects and general contractor Pomerleau Construction will complete the project.  

Using passive house standards the high-efficiency cooling systems and wastewater heat recovery make the development more environmentally responsible.

“With 336 new affordable homes, this project will be home to hundreds of individuals and families, providing them with access to high-quality, affordable living spaces,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said. “The ongoing demand for affordable housing is a critical priority to help ensure that people have the opportunity to secure a stable and affordable home.” 

A previous version of this article was incorrect in stating the first phase of the project was complete.